Upstream Contraception Program

Our approach empowers patients to decide when and if they want to become pregnant

Upstream and and KVH Family Medicine are working towards the same goal: that all patients are empowered to become pregnant only if and when they want to. Data has shown that there is no one contraceptive method that works best for everyone. The program’s goal is to always put the power of choice in the hands of patients. Upstream Washington is a multi-year partnership with the State of Washington to ensure all patients have access to the full range of birth control methods in a single visit by providing training and technical assistance to health centers.

Upstream is transforming healthcare

Every person should have access to the full range of contraceptive methods, so that they can become pregnant only if and when they want to. That happens when healthcare providers can:

  • Ask all patients about their reproductive health goals and pregnancy intentions at each visit
  • Offer all forms of available contraception to interested patients utilizing a shared decision-making model
  • Implement a patient’s choice in a single visit

Most women who experience unintended pregnancies are either not using contraception or using a method that doesn’t work well for them. When patients can achieve their own goals of becoming pregnant only if and when they want to, they—and their families—can experience positive ripple effects throughout their lives.

In a recent survey, more than half of women said that contraceptive use is key to pursuing education, achieving their career goals and caring for their families. Studies show that unplanned pregnancy disproportionately affects poor and low-income women—which, along with other social determinants, can perpetuate negative health, economic and social outcomes.

Upstream has partnered with KVH Family Medicine to identify barriers to same-day contraceptive access so that patients have easy access to their desired method at the time of their appointment.

For more information, please call KVH Family Medicine at 509.773.4017